“Within the child lies the fate of the future.”- Maria Montessori 1870-1952.

The Montessori Method established by Maria Montessori in Italy more than one hundred years ago, allows children to grow naturally, to retain their individuality and develop their own unique personality.

To achieve such outcomes her teaching consists of three areas and here are some of those used at the Montessori Kindergarten:

Universal Characteristics of Childhood

All children want to learn and with the freedom to investigate the world around them they become active learners.

From birth to six years of age children have an absorbent mind.

Everything that occurs in their life has a profound effect and therefore the quality of early experiences are of fundamental importance.

The Prepared Environment

Freedom - there should be physical, intellectual and social freedom and so everything is child-sized and all activities are within reach to allow free choice.

Structure and Order – the classroom is ordered and well planned, the curriculum and teaching carefully selected and presented to children.

Nature and Reality – there is emphasis on bringing about awareness of the real world and in particular, the children are encouraged to take care of and learn to understand and respect the natural world around them.

Intellectual Materials – these cover developmental activities designed to meet the needs of children in all areas of: Practical Life Skills, Sensory Motor Activities, Mathematical and Language Skills, Cultural Knowledge, Botany, Geography, Science, Art and Music.

Special Qualities of the Teacher

She/he is responsible for selecting and making available the appropriate developmental activities.